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Eye care - optometrists


Optometristsarehealthprofessionalswhoarequalifiedtoexamineyoureyesforvisionandeye disorders,andforhealthproblemsinvolvingtheeyes.Theycantreattheseproblems,prescribe, supplyandfitopticalaidsandprovideexpertadviceoneyecareandeyehealth. A range of services Optometristshaveatleastafour-yearuniversityqualificationandmustberegisteredwiththe OptometristsRegistrationBoardtopractice.Optometristsarequalifiedto: Diagnoseeyedisordersanddiseases(suchascataractandglaucoma). Pickuphealthdisordersinvolvingtheeyes(suchasdiabetesandthyroidproblems). Examineeyesforvisiondisorders. Prescribe,fitandsupplyglassesandcontactlenses. Analyseandtreateyecoordinationandfocusingdisorders. Prescribeotherspecialisedopticalaids. Contributetothecareofthepartiallysighted. SomeVictorianoptometristsarequalifiedtoprescribetherapeuticdrugsforarangeof commoneyeconditions.

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Expert advice Optometristscanalsoprovideexpertadviceon: Lighting. Occupationaleyesafetyandvisionrequirements. Generaleyeandvisionprotection. Aftercareforcontactlensuse. Fashionspectacleframesandappropriatespectaclelensmaterialsandcoatings. Sunglasses. Sportsvision. Visionrelatedlearningdisabilities.

A standard consultation Astandardeyeexaminationincludesascreeningforallcommoneyediseases,suchasglaucoma andcataracts.Theoptometristwillalso: Talktoyouanddevelopyourcasehistory. Examineyoureyesandrelatedstructuresforanyvisionproblems,eyemanifestationsof diseaseorotherabnormalities. Assessyoureyesforafocusingdisorder-suchasmyopia,hypermetropia,astigmatismor presbyopia. Measureyoureyemovementandcoordination. Performabroadrangeoffurthertestsifrequired. Referyou,ifneeded,toyourlocaldoctororophthalmologist(aneyespecialistwho performsmajoreyesurgeryandtreatsseriouseyediseases).

Optometrists provide a professional service OptometristswhoaremembersoftheOptometristsAssociationofAustralia(OAA)striveto maintainexcellentstandardsofcare.Todothis,they: Takepartincontinuingprofessionaleducation. UsethelatesttechnologyandinformationfromAustraliaandoverseas. AgreetoabidebytheOAA Code of Ethics,ensuringaresponsibleandwell-disciplined profession.

Eyecare-optometrists

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Areaccountableforthequalityofprofessionalservicesoffered. Arewillingtotalktointerestedgroups. Areavailableforadvice. Promotevisionsafetyintheworkplace,thehomeandinsports.

Where to get help Yourlocaloptometrist OptometristsAssociationVictoriaTel.0396542122.

Things to remember

Optometristsarequalifiedtoprovidearangeofservices. Optometristscandiagnoseandtreateyedisordersandvisionproblems,dispenseglasses andcontactlenses,andprovideexpertadviceoneyecare. Optometristsareregisteredprofessionals.

This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:

OptometristsAssociationVictoria

Copyight 1999/2009StateofVictoria.ReproducedfromtheBetterHealthChannel(www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)at nocostwithpermissionoftheVictorianMinisterforHealth.Unauthorisedreproductionandotherusescomprisedinthe copyrightareprohibitedwithoutpermission. ThisBetterHealthChannelfactsheethaspassedthrougharigorousapprovalprocess.Forthelatestupdatesandmore informationvisitwww.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

Eyecare-optometrists

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